Treatment

Treatment will depend on the cause of the bleeding. Your doctor may switch your medications or stop certain ones if it is suspected as the cause of your GI bleeding. You may need to make some lifestyle changes.

Endoscopy

Endoscopy can also be used to stop bleeding. With an endoscope, your doctor can stop the bleeding by:

Injecting chemicals into the bleeding site

Using a heat probe, electric current, or laser to seal off the bleeding site

Using a band or clip to close off blood vessels

Angiography

Angiography, which is also used as a diagnostic tool, can control bleeding. The doctor can use angiography with other tools to locate the bleeding and inject medications or other materials into the blood vessels to control it.

Surgery

If other treatment options fail, your doctor may recommend surgery. Surgery may be necessary for some conditions, such as
diverticulitis
or uncontrolled bleeding.

Prevention

To help reduce your chance of gastrointestinal bleeding:

Follow treatment plans for any gastrointestinal conditions

Reduce your intake of alcohol or NSAIDs if possible

If you smoke, talk with your doctor about how you can quit

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Bleeding in the digestive tract. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at:
http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-topics/digestive-diseases/bleeding-in-the-digestive-tract/Pages/facts.aspx. Updated March 27, 2012. Accessed June 20, 2014.